MR. McLAGAN’S NEW ACTIVITIES

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 90, Issue 78, 4 April 1946, Page 5

MR. McLAGAN’S NEW ACTIVITIES

TRANSFER FROM INDUSTRIAL TO POLITICAL WORK CHANGES MADE WITH LABOURS FULL APPROVAL (P.A.) Wellington, April 3. “The caucus did not decide anything in regard to the matter. It certainly did not refuse to endorse Mr. McLagan. The decision in regard to the portfolio of Employment was made by Cabinet,” the Prime Minister, Mr. Fraser, said to-day. He was replying to an inquiry as to whether there was any foundation for the suggestion that the Parliamentary Labour caucus had not endorsed the Wartime Minister of National Service, Mr. McLagan, in the peacetime office of Minister of Employment, and that, because of this, Mr. McLagan was expected to be a candidate at the next general election for a seat in the House of Representatives.

“There was no refusal on the part of caucus Io endorse Mr. McLagan,” Mr. Fraser reiterated. “The decision was made by Cabinet. Mr. McLagan agreed to retain office as leader of the Legislative Council, and a position In the Cabinet at my invitation. I felt sure that the arrangement would have the endorsement of Cabinet.” Mr. McLagan, when he was approached, said the step he had taken had been made in agreement with the Federation of Labour’s National Executive. He was also resigning as secretary of the United Mine Workers, and had discussed the matter with other officials of the miners’ organisation, and they were also in agreement. “It is not a matter of my leaving the Labour movement.” said Mr. McLagan. “I am merely transferring my sohere of main activities from the industrial to the political side.”